Buckets

Knowing the story behind The Fault of Our Stars movie that just came out, I went to see it anyway. The movie was well done. The crying occurred during the last 20 minutes of the movie. Aside from the obvious, I couldn't help relating to the characters in the movie and the emotions  they had just being ill and then going through treatment (to an extent), as well as relate to what the last 20 months have been like for my parents, brother and even my children.  I have never wanted my illness to define who or what I am ("so what's your story?"), or dictate what I can or cannot do in the longrun.  Being afraid of losing my life has motivated me to live life freer and added some new experiences to my bucket list - tandem sky diving anyone? - so that my life was well lived. That the donation so generously given was well worth my donor's time and discomfort. And I want my zest for life to be something my children inherit from me. My story will be who I was before, during and after becoming ill. And my lifelong fight to live in this world!

Transplant Validation

Validates 100% of the DNA Present in my last biopsy was donor DNA. Woo hoo!

Nice to Meet You?

Today I have the opportunity to meet a girl who was diagnosed with a different form of Leukemia, CML. Her mother works with one of my Aunts and that is how her mother and I connected. I wish it were under different circumstances, but I look forward to meeting them both. My desire since I was diagnosed has been to be a resource to other newly diagnosed cancer patients. This is my first opportunity and I pray this helps the girl as that is my goal. To be a sounding board, a resource who has already been through some of the paces at MDA. 

Sniff, Sniff, Gotta Wait One More Year

I was so looking forward to the opportunity to maybe share contact info with my donor but learned, because she was an international donor, I have to wait one more year. Bummer!!

Can I Help You?

Eighteen months ago, when I got sick, I knew I wanted to "mentor" newly diagnosed cancer patients. I knew I had to wait for a year post transplant. Now, 13 months post transplant I may get that opportunity with the family of a lady my Aunt works with. We have already been in contact and I have gotten to help them  figure out how to switch doctors and answer a few of their questions. I am "excited" to say I get to meet them next Wed when they are scheduled to meet with their new doctor. Wish me luck!  

One More Relay for the Books

We didn't get to stay very late, but I got my kids to walk more than 2 miles before packing it in after 3 hours. My son was asleep 4 minutes after getting back into the car. This event was really well run. Looking forward to next year's event. Coming up:  Fall Be The Match walk/run. 

CANCER FREE!!!

No more Mayo visits and off two more meds!!  Last two for another couple months and then ALL DONE. No more biopsies. Thank God, because that last one was a doozy and I am still numb on that part of my anatomy.  Yippee!  Chromosomes and immune system is 100% donor.  

Danke, danke, danke!